Is God Calling You?

“If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 16:24-25

The candidate for a monastery is convinced that he must live his life in conformity with the Gospel precepts.

Many who chose this path don’t think they are particularly virtuous or worthy enough to become a monk. But they are called to give up all things and follow Him. A true vocation can only be determined by responding to this call. Over time, we find that God has called us to seek Him only – by constant union through prayer and working for our community as a form of prayer in action.

The Benedictine vocation is dedicated to the service of God and neighbor. Guided through prayer, we learn that true happiness can only be gained through humility, self-denial, obedience, patience and mutual charity. A monk strives to give glory to God by becoming, at last, not self-centered, by God-centered.

It was for this reason that St. Benedict wrote his Rule, and why Benedictine monasteries exist. Benedict withdrew from the world to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Today, as in the past, Christ calls some to give up all things and follow Him through prayer, spiritual direction and quiet listening to the stirrings of the Spirit.